Avoid the Bait: Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams

Avoid the bait! Use these tips to help recognize an email scam before it’s too late.

Phishing is a cybercrime in which cybercriminals try to gain access to your personal information such as credit card numbers, user names and passwords through digital communications, such as email. These emails often seem as they are coming from a legitimate source, asking you to update your password or telling you to click a link to claim your prize.

Click cautiously.

Cybercriminals use email to get access to your personal information. Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments in your email, especially if it’s from someone you don’t know. Clicking these links can insert malware into your computer and compromise its security.

Do your own typing.

Type out URLs into your browser instead of clicking on the link. Even if the link looks legitimate, cybercriminals can easily mask the true destination of the URL.

Don’t send personal information via email.

Remember a legitimate institution will never ask for personal information to be verified over email. To verify that the request is legitimate, call the institution, but don’t use the phone number provided in the email. Look up the phone number online or in a phone book when you verify!

Share with care.

Cybercriminals who utilize phishing do their research. Be careful how much information you share on social media and always utilize your privacy controls to limit what others can see on your profile.